RDGs are under active consideration: Civil Aviation Minister

New Delhi: Government is actively considering revising the 5-20 rule to allow Indian carriers to fly abroad and the Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDGs), which make it mandatory for them to operate to remote parts of the country like the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.

"The revision of the existing 5/20 rule as well as RDGs is under active consideration of the Government. Stakeholders including Federation of Indian Airlines have sent their views on both proposals, which are being examined," Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha.

Stating that RDGs were aimed at increasing air connectivity, he said these were required due to the fact that no plane took off or landed in as many as 31 airports during the last one year.

"The rules will be applicable for both public and private airlines" and regulate them, he said, adding that "rules would bind Indian players. International players are not bound by them".

Some members suggested that RDGs should provide a level- playing field to ensure that Air India does not incur losses by flying to non-lucrative routes while private arriers grab the lucrative ones.

Raju said the government was committed to develop route connectivity across the country.